Skowhegan, ME Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)

The Special Amusement Ordinance, adopted at Town Meeting on March 8, 1999 and last amended June 10, 2019, governs dancing and entertainment in facilities licensed by the State of Maine to sell liquor, with the exception of a radio or other mechanical musical device (Section 2). A Licensee is the holder of a license for sale of liquor to be consumed on the premises, or any agent or employee of that licensee (Section 7). Section 6 assigns enforcement to the Skowhegan Police Department.

The noise standard is in Section 10(b). A Licensee shall not allow on any licensed premise the making, creation, or maintenance of excessive, unusually loud noise that disturbs or endangers the peace, health or safety of an individual or individuals. The paragraph prints no decibel reading. Instead it says the question is judged on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Police Officer who responds to any complaint.

Section 9(b) adds a closing time. With the exception of New Year's eve festivities, all music, dancing and/or entertainment subject to the ordinance must end no later than 01.00 A.M., and music, entertainment and dancing on January 1 must end no later than 02.00 A.M. Section 9(a) lets a licensed hotel, Class A restaurant, Class A tavern, or restaurant malt liquor licensee charge admission.

Other licensee duties support the noise rule. Under Section 10(a), the Licensee cannot allow visibly intoxicated persons or persons exhibiting confrontational behavior to remain on the premises. For any outdoor event, Section 9(c) requires the Licensee to contact the Chief of Police to determine what arrangements are needed for hiring law enforcement officers, and the Licensee pays the cost. Under Section 12, the licensee or person in charge must admit any authorized law enforcement officer, official or employee of the Town for an inspection at any reasonable time.